Next Bond Actor Expected in Nov. or Dec. as Villeneuve Nears Decision
The next James Bond actor is expected to be named in November or December. Director Denis Villeneuve and producers are weighing finalists, with Robert Pattinson reported as a late contender. Filming is due to start in 2027 for a 2028 release.
The next James Bond actor is expected to be named in November or December, as director Denis Villeneuve and the film's producers close in on who will play 007. Reports say the final screen tests took place in late October.
Villeneuve teased the secret at a gala, then pulled back. He declined to discuss the casting speculation on the red carpet.
Who is in the running
Three actors are thought to be frontrunners: Jack Lowden, Josh O'Connor and Callum Turner. All three are 36.
Robert Pattinson, 40, has also reportedly screen tested, according to a report published on Friday. Nicholas Hoult, 36, has emerged as another possible contender. Jack Barton, 31, and Paul Mescal, 30, are also among names linked to the final tests.
Producers have not confirmed any names. Daniel Craig was a surprise choice in 2005, so a wildcard candidate whose name has not been widely reported cannot be ruled out.
Villeneuve's joke
Villeneuve was honored at an art and film gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which raised nearly $7 million, a new record. Walking in, he told reporters he would stay quiet. "I should not comment right now because every word I'm going to say is going to be scrutinized," he said. "I would just say that I'm having a great time."
Inside, he turned the moment into a stunt. "With the blessing of my new friends at Amazon, I will reveal to you tonight who will be the next James Bond," he told the crowd, drawing an audible stir.
He paused, then stopped. "And I will stop right now because Amy Pascal is about to have a heart attack," he said, laughing. It was a joke, and no name was given.
Timeline and creative team
Pascal, one of the producers, spoke about timing in August. "I would say the end of the year is a good bet," she said. "We are being really, really methodical."
The franchise is now owned by Amazon MGM. Some observers expect the company to announce the new star through its Prime Video streaming service rather than a traditional press conference.
The film is expected to go into production in 2027 and be released in 2028. No exact dates have been announced. It will be the 26th film in the official series, and the title is not yet confirmed.
Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, is writing the script. Villeneuve, who is finishing the 70mm Imax print of Dune: Part Three while starting work on Bond, has called 007 "sacred territory" and said he is a "die-hard Bond fan."
